By Augie Colantuono

Buffalo State College recently sent out a memo prohibiting the use of pyrotechnics on campus unless given special permission from the vice president for finance and management, and then only when handled by fully licensed and insured professionals.

David Miller, the director of environmental health and safety, sent out the memo and says it is important that the use of pyrotechnics on campus be regulated.

“Pyrotechnic devices can cause fires or personal injuries if not handled with the appropriate precautions. Therefore, it is important to regulate their use on our campus,” Miller said.

He feels that in light of the Great White Concert now is the right time to send out a memo like this. On Feb 20, fire engulfed a Rhode Island night club, killing 99 people and injuring over 180.
“Often after a tragic event like the night club fire in Rhode Island, attention is brought to a specific safety issue. In this case we felt it was important to inform the college community of this policy,” Miller added.

Heather Dickerson, a freshman art education major, says she was not aware of Buffalo State’s policy on the use of pyrotechnics. She thinks it is a good idea, though, to prohibit pyrotechnics because of all that could go wrong.

“There’s too much danger when it comes to something flying into the crowd and injuring a student,” Dickerson said.

She says she could feel safe at an event with pyrotechnics as long as they were controlled and dept the proper distance away from the crowd. As far as a substitute for pyrotechnics, Dickerson suggests candles.

“Lots and lots of candles,” she said, grinning.
For any questions concerning pyrotechnics, contact David Miller at 878-6113, or e-mail him at millerdn@buffalostate.edu.